Senior Living Information Blog

How has the economy affected assisted living sales in the Chicago area?

Many people have asked me how business is and if any of what is going on with the economy is effecting it.

The answer is yes and no.  When we are dealing with a relatively independent senior who no longer wants to care for their home, make meals etc and is interested in all that independent living has to offer - I would have to say yes.  For many of them, they are wanting to wait until their home sells.  This is normal, but in these times we have to wait A LOT longer for the home to sell.  Many times they can't compete with other homes on the block as they are not always that updated if its the same home they have lived in for 50 years!

I have also been called by many of the local communities and they are feeling the pinch as well.  They are running tremendous rent specials.

When it comes to assisted living, there is not so much of a wait.  Usually the need out weighs the waiting for the home to sell.  However, I still have heard of some great pricing for assisted living this month.

Occasionally we have had an inquiry from a family that may be concerned with how long mom or dad's funds are going to last now that they have lost some money.  Luckily most seniors have not lost as much as they are usually invested in bonds or anything safer than stocks!  But some have lost a considerable percentage and now don't think mom or dad can stay as long as they had previously predicted.  But we have not received as many of these calls as I would have thought we might.

Words of Wisdom

We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.
- Will Rogers

Local Senior Wins Trip to Inauguration

Brookdale Senior Living, one of the companies Senior Living Experts works with sponsored a event called "Brookdale's Experiences of a Lifetime Program."  Residents were given the opportunity to submit a dream or experience they would like to have fulfilled.

Alfred Bouey, a resident at the Holley Court Terrace in Oak Park won the experience of attending the Inauguration of the first African American president in the history of the U.S.

Mr. Bouey remembers growing up in the south where everything was segregated.  He can recall the days of slavery and this grandparents who were whipped and beaten had the scars to prove it. "When I say Barack Obama come out to make his acceptance speech, I started crying and never stopped.  I still don't believe it to this day that he was elected President of the United States." said Bouey.  "I never dread this day would happen in American history."

Mr. Bouey's history is interesting which is another of the many reasons I love working with seniors.  The history, the stories, the wisdom.  I learned that because Mr. Bouey's mother worked hard, he was able to attend school.  After graduation from high school, he went to Arkansas A & M for Negroes only.  He was then drafted into the Segregated Army.  Because he was one of the only college-educated me there, he quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Sargent.

Upon returning to the South after serving in the Army, he found that nothing had changed.  Segregation was still a major fact of life, and there were no jobs for him.

In 1946 with $10 in his pocket, he moved to Chicago - but with no place to go. Then President Truman opened the opportunity for African-Americans to work in the government and Mr. Bouey took and administrative job with the Army Procurement Division.

In 1954 he was part of the first group of African-American men to become Chicago Police Officer.

For Bouey, President-Elect Obama represents "hope".  When Obama was elected, it was not a dream come true because I never dreamt it would happen," said Bouey.  "But I sure 'hoped' it would."  "To see the inauguration of President Obama will be the greatest moment of my life."

How can you not love that story?  Happy Inauguration Day!

How to Make Sure Your Parents Are Being Treated Right at Their Nursing Home

It can be difficult to accept that one's parents need assisted living care in order to properly get through the day. While enrolling a parent in a nursing home may be a necessary step in the process, it's also important to ensure that he or she is receiving proper care. Selecting the proper care institution and setting up the right structure for care will ensure that the best possible living conditions for one's parent(s) in a nursing home.

The first step to ensure proper Nursing Home treatment is to choose the right health care provider in the first place. By taking time to do background research on the Nursing Homes in your area, you can save a lot of time in the future. Services such as Consumer Reports provide information about what to expect from various nursing home providers. Unlike hospitals, nursing homes vary widely in terms of their ability to provide basic services, so always inquire whether a given care center can provide the services that your parents need. For many people, Nursing Home costs can be prohibitively expensive, so look for an institution that is covered by Medicare Services to help alleviate the cost burden. You should always visit a care center and request the latest state inspection (Form 2567) to see an objective review of the care center.

After taking time to select what seems to be the best possible institution, there are several steps you can take to ensure that quality of care is up to standards. The most direct way of checking in on care standards is through regular visits at non-standard times–that way you can review the care standards at various times during the day, and you can keep an eye out for any necessary improvements (in terms of care, cleanliness or scheduling.) Always ask you parent(s) directly about the nature of the care, and discuss any possible issues with management in case any issues arise; in fact, scheduling regular meetings with supervisors can provide a constant feedback look to ensure proper care.

Selecting a Nursing Home close to your work or home will make it easier to visit more regularly. In addition to your direct visits, have various members of your family regularly check up on your parent(s), as well as asking important questions in case issues arise. Always have a contingency plan in case the care falls below standards, so that you can move to an alternative care center. If your parent has
serious medical conditions, it is important to take them to regular visits with their family physician so that they can be monitored for progress; if they are not getting their medications regularly or their diet is not sufficient to provide the nutrients they need, a doctor should be able to provide you with feedback that you can relay to the Nursing Home. By selecting a nursing home that is professionally managed with attentive, registered nurses and medical staff, you can provide the best possible environment for long-term care.

This guest post was from Maya Richard.  She writes about high speed internet and can be reached at mayrichard @ gmail (you know the rest)

Assisted Living 101

I will be giving a presentation and the brand new (and very swanky) The Clare at Water Tower on Tuesday evening, February 4th.  I will be talking about what to look for if you are considering assisted living and some tips for evaluating them.  We will also be joined by and expert in move management who can help explain downsizing and a real estate agent who will provide tips on selling your home.

Light food and drink will be served.

2/04/09 6 PM

The Clare at Water Tower
55 E. Pearson Street
Chicago, IL 60611

R.S.V.P. by calling (312) 951-5690

Center for Life and Learning Open House

The Chicago Lights Center for Life and Learning (CLL) is hosting a Winter Open House

Jan 26, 2009 from 4:00-6:30 pm

Loyola University Museum of Art 820 N. Michigan Ave

RSVP by Jan 16th by calling Patricia at 312-981-3387

Each year the CLL features a wide array of dynamic academic, arts, current events, and exercise and fitness courses, in addition to our minicourses, excursions, "For Men Only" programs, and social gatherings.

CLL programming gives all men and women 60 and more an opportunity to try something new in the New Year. From T'ai Chi Chuan and Computer Skills to an exploration of China or U.S. Domestic and Global Issues, CLL courses appeal to a broad range of interests and busy schedules.

For more information visit the website for the Chicago Lights (part of Fourth Presbyterian Church)

Chicago Department of Senior Services 2009 Caregiver Support Group Schedule

These caregiver support groups meet throughout the city, but there is also a telephonic support group available twice a month so caregivers can call in from home.

Free respite is available through the Department of Senior Services.

Northeast Regional Center
2109 W. Lawrence
4th Wednesday of each month
10:00 am

Northwest Regional Center
3160 N. Milwaukee
3rd Monday of each month
10:30 am

Central West Regional Center
2102 W. Ogden
2nd Tuesday of each month
1:00 pm

Southeast Regional Center
1767 E. 79th St.
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month
1:00

Southwest Regional Center
6117 S. Kedzie
1st Saturday of each month
1:00

Westtown Satellite Center
1613 W. Chicago
3rd Martes a mensual
1:00 pm en Espanol

Support Group by Telephone
2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month
7:00 pm

dial: 1-866-212-0875
enter passcode: 932974#
share your name with the group!

For more information call : 312/744-8580

What to look for in Long Term Care Facilities

When the time comes to look for long-term care facilities for your loved ones, there are many different things that you may be looking for.  It is not an easy decision; not all care facilities are created equal.  If you have decided that the next step for your loved ones involves long-term care, there are a few things you need to look for before you make your decision.  Take a look at the following considerations and see if your choices measure up.

Location

Many times, this consideration is at the top of the list.  Families don’t want to be separated by too much distance, especially in the event of an emergency.  Select a facility that is easily accessible and won’t be so far away that it prevents you from being able to visit frequently.

Quality of Care

Facilities may have varying levels of care provided at any given time.  You can find out how many doctors, RNs, and LVNs are on staff at any given time, so that you know what kind of care will be given to your loved ones.  Make sure that there is adequate staff to fully care for your loved ones for your peace of mind.

Specialization

This is extremely important, especially if your loved one has a condition like Alzheimer’s.  Individuals who suffer from advanced stages of dementia, etc., are going to require more specialized care and a properly trained staff is the first step toward reaching this end.  Make sure that the facilities you are considering have programs and the proper care plan outlined for more specific ailments.

Activities

Many places offer a variety of activities and programs designed to keep those in their care happy and social.  Look into what kinds of programs and activities your long-term care facilities do for their residents.  You want your loved ones to have a positive experience with people that truly care about them and their well-being.

Cost

Of course, many facilities can be prohibitively expensive, so you will have to explore and weigh out all of your options.  Discuss insurance acceptance, grants, and other financial options with the proper representatives at your chosen places. 

Finding a way to balance all of these considerations may be tough, but not impossible.  Stay positive and remember that the goal is to provide quality care for your loved ones to ensure that they are well taken care of. 

This informative post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of a geriatric nursing. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

Another New Year

Since the new year fell at the end of the week, it has allowed me some extra time to catch up and to try to prepare for another wonderful year of working with seniors. 

My goal for the blog is to try to find as many positive stories I can about seniors & assisted living.  I signed up for some Google alerts which only verify that good news does not make the news.  I keep seeing articles about some of the bad things that can happen, but not often enough of the good things. 

So look forward to some feel good stories for the new year!